First Position

Name: First Position
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Family, Documentary
Released: May 4, 2012
Duration: 90 min
Rating: 72

2012

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 16 Ratings

See All

8.1

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.1	Your Score
8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 16 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

First Position

Now Playing: First Position

Movie Details & Credits

Sundance Selects | Release Date: May 4, 2012 | Not Rated

Summary: Every year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfectionEvery year, thousands of aspiring dancers enter one of the world's most prestigious ballet competitions, the Youth America Grand Prix, where lifelong dreams are at stake. In the final round, with hundreds competing for only a handful of elite scholarships and contracts, practice and discipline are paramount, and nothing short of perfection is expected. Bess Kargman's award-winning documentary, FIRST POSITION, follows six young dancers as they prepare for a chance to enter the world of professional ballet, struggling through bloodied feet, near exhaustion and debilitating injuries, all while navigating the drama of adolescence. A showcase of awe-inspiring talent, tenacity and passion, FIRST POSITION paints a thrilling and moving portrait of the most gifted young ballet stars of tomorrow. (Sundance Selects)… Expand

Director: Bess Kargman

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Family, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 90 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Peter Rainer

May 4, 2012

I've become weary of documentaries about winning prizes, but this one is special because the kids are. Read full review

Alison Willmore

May 2, 2012

Fortunately, first-time filmmaker Bess Kargman has selected a diverse array of competitors from different backgrounds who have significant talent in common. Read full review

Kenneth Turan

May 3, 2012

These performers are so young, so serious, so full of dreams and so hard on themselves that it is difficult not to be moved by their striving. Read full review

John Semley

May 4, 2012

The documentary twists out its six narrative threads with measured compassion and even-handedness. Read full review

Ty Burr

May 10, 2012

Because its subjects are so driven and so talented, First Position, which is about ballet, is more gripping than the norm. Read full review

Frank Scheck

May 5, 2012

First Position overcomes its predictable elements thanks to the inherent visual drama of watching children strain their bodies to the limit in obsessive pursuit of their goals. Read full review

Nick Schager

May 1, 2012

The result is a film that eschews in-depth insight in favor of easily digestible who's-going-to-win suspense, a tack that's aided by Kargman's rather poignant (and visually graceful) evocation of pre-performance anxiety but ultimately leaves the material feeling deflated once the winners emerge. Read full review

SEE ALL 22 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

metamotivcritic

Jun 2, 2012

A lovely, touching movie, albeit a bit heavy on the heart-tugging. I loved the dancing, the cinematography, and the personal stories (and the personalities of the dancers and their families); but most of all I loved the fact that there was no Nigel, Mary, Little C, Trice, or Mia to ruin it.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

mschoa

Jun 1, 2012

Liked the movie a lot. Showed you the passion and hardwork put in by the youngsters in pursuing their dream of dancing ballet professionally. Would recommend this film to young people and their familes who are seriously considering a career in the arts.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Christopher_G2

Aug 18, 2013

This is a very well done documentary about young aspiring ballet artists competing in a world class competition. It's fascinating and at least somewhat dramatic, and watching all this kids dance for their passion is really a treat.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JLuis_001

Jun 30, 2018

What it offers is simply a glimpse of what this work is about, what it implies for these young people, their talent, their profession and of course what will represent for their professional future.

Also the strenght of this doc is that is giving us an insight of this young people workingWhat it offers is simply a glimpse of what this work is about, what it implies for these young people, their talent, their profession and of course what will represent for their professional future.

Also the strenght of this doc is that is giving us an insight of this young people working so hard which is rewarding and inspiring.

It's not an outstanding documentary but it's pretty good and definitely a good option even if you never cared about ballet.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Toolevb

Jan 26, 2013

It seemed like a long promotional pitch for: "American Idol for Ballet Dancers". I was ready to be a fan of this documentary and a good story, but the potentially good stories were mashed together. I was disappointed they didn't use the ebb and flow of ballet to tell the story. Great kids,It seemed like a long promotional pitch for: "American Idol for Ballet Dancers". I was ready to be a fan of this documentary and a good story, but the potentially good stories were mashed together. I was disappointed they didn't use the ebb and flow of ballet to tell the story. Great kids, good music, hard work, sacrifice is clear. But, I wasn't invested in the characters...In summary, with so many other great movies to watch, this one is on the end of your list unless you love ballet.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 5 REVIEWS